Tissue Product Comprising Bamboo

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise wood and bamboo fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable through-air dried tissue webs comprising at least about 10 percent bamboo fiber by weight of the web. In the through-air dried tissue webs of the present disclosure, bamboo typically replaces high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the bulk of the through-air dried web without negatively effecting softness or durability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to soft and durable through-air dried tissuewebs, and tissue products comprising the same, wherein the tissue webscomprise wood and bamboo fibers. It has been discovered that replacinghigh average fiber length wood fibers with bamboo fibers in athrough-air dried web increases sheet bulk without negatively effectingdurability or stiffness.

BACKGROUND

Tissue products, such as facial tissues, paper towels, bath tissues,napkins, and other similar products, are designed to include severalimportant properties. For example, the products should have good bulk, asoft feel, and should have good strength and durability. Unfortunately,however, when steps are taken to increase one property of the product,other characteristics of the product are often adversely affected.

Tissue products are made via one of two primary tissue manufacturingprocesses: conventional wet press (CWP) and through-air drying (TAD). InCWP, the tissue is formed on a forming fabric from either a suctionbreast roll or twin wire former and the embryonic web is transferred toa papermaking felt and dewatered by pressing with one or two pressureroll nips against the surface of a large steam heated cylinder called aYankee dryer. The pressing process also assists in transfer of the sheetto the Yankee dryer surface. An adhesive solution is sprayed on thedryer surface prior to the sheet transfer in order to provide goodbonding between the sheet and the dryer surface. The sheet is removedfrom the Yankee surface by a doctor blade in the creping process. In theTAD process, the sheet is formed on a forming fabric and transferred toone or more other fabrics as it is dewatered to a consistency of 25percent or higher. After the initial dewatering the sheet is dried whilein contact with the fabric by blowing hot air through the fabric untilthe consistency is 40 percent or higher. In conventional through-airdried processes, the through-air dried web is adhered to a Yankee dryerand creped. A roll may be present at the point of transfer to assist inthe transfer of the web from the drying fabric to the Yankee dryer butabsent the presence of high pressure used to dewater the web in the CWPprocess. Alternatively TAD tissue may be prepared without creping whereforeshortening of the web occurs with a differential velocity transferof the wet laid web from the forming fabric to a substantially slowermoving, open mesh transfer fabric. Thereafter the web is dried whilepreventing macroscopic rearrangement of the fibers in the plane of theweb. The web is then dried on a fabric in the through-air dryer to aconsistency of 90 percent or higher and wound. No Yankee dryer is usedin the uncreped through-air dried (UCTAD) process. Through-air driedtissue products are typically associated with higher quality tier tissueproducts than conventional wet pressed products due to their higher bulkand greater absorption capacity.

To achieve the optimum product properties, tissue products are typicallyformed, at least in part, from pulps containing wood fibers and often ablend of hardwood and softwood fibers to achieve the desired properties.Typically when attempting to optimize surface softness, as is often thecase with tissue products, the papermaker will select the fiber furnishbased in part on the coarseness of pulp fibers. Pulps having fibers withlow coarseness are desirable because tissue paper made from fibershaving a low coarseness can be made softer than similar tissue papermade from fibers having a high coarseness. To optimize surface softnesseven further, premium tissue products usually comprise layeredstructures where the low coarseness fibers are directed to the outsidelayer of the tissue sheet with the inner layer of the sheet comprisinglonger, coarser fibers.

Unfortunately, the need for softness is balanced by the need fordurability. Durability in tissue products can be defined in terms oftensile strength, tensile energy absorption (TEA), burst strength andtear strength. Typically tear, burst and TEA will show a positivecorrelation with tensile strength while tensile strength, and thusdurability, and softness are inversely related. Thus the paper maker iscontinuously challenged with the need to balance the need for softnesswith a need for durability. Unfortunately, tissue paper durabilitygenerally decreases as the average fiber length is reduced. Therefore,simply reducing the pulp average fiber length can result in anundesirable trade-off between product surface softness and productdurability.

Besides durability long fibers also play an important role in overalltissue product softness. While surface softness in tissue products is animportant attribute, a second element in the overall softness of atissue sheet is stiffness. Stiffness can be measured from the tensileslope of stress—strain tensile curve. The lower the slope the lower thestiffness and the better overall softness the product will display.Stiffness and tensile strength are positively correlated, however at agiven tensile strength shorter fibers will display a greater stiffnessthan long fibers. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that this behavior is due to the higher number of hydrogenbonds required to produce a product of a given tensile strength withshort fibers than with long fibers. Thus, easily collapsible, lowcoarseness long fibers, such as those provided by Northern SoftwoodKraft (NSWK) fibers typically supply the best combination of durabilityand softness in tissue products when those fibers are used incombination with hardwood Kraft fibers such as Eucalyptus hardwood Kraftfibers. While Northern Softwood Kraft Fibers have a higher coarsenessthan Eucalyptus fibers their small cell wall thickness relative to lumendiameter combined with their long length makes them the ideal candidatefor optimizing durability and softness in tissue.

Unfortunately, supply of NSWK is under significant pressure botheconomically and environmentally. As such, prices of NSWK fibers haveescalated significantly creating a need to find alternatives to optimizesoftness and strength in tissue products. Another type of softwood fiberis Southern Softwood Kraft (SSWK) widely used in fluff pulp containingabsorbent products such as diapers, feminine care absorbent products andincontinence products. Unfortunately while not under the same supply andenvironmental pressures as NSWK, fibers from SSWK are too coarse fortissue products and are unsuitable for making soft tissue products.While having long fiber length, the SSWK fibers have too wide a cellwall width and too narrow a lumen diameter and thus create stiffer,harsher feeling products than NSWK.

The tissue papermaker who is able to obtain pulps having a desirablecombination of fiber length and coarseness from fiber blends generallyregarded as inferior with respect to average fiber properties may reapsignificant cost savings and/or product improvements. For example, thepapermaker may wish to make a tissue paper of superior strength withoutincurring the usual degradation in softness which accompanies higherstrength. Alternatively, the papermaker may wish a higher degree ofpaper surface bonding to reduce the release of free fibers withoutsuffering the usual decrease in softness which accompanies greaterbonding of surface fibers. As such, a need currently exists for a tissueproduct formed from a fiber that will improve durability withoutnegatively affecting other important product properties, such assoftness.

Outside of Northern and Southern softwood pulp fibers very few optionsexist for papermakers when selecting long fibers. Bamboo fibers havebeen used in paper for many years primarily in India and China. Long andshort fiber bamboo species are reported. Bamboo fibers have been used toreplace wood fibers in blended, conventional wet pressed tissue productsin India and China. Unfortunately commercially available bamboo pulpscomprise a mixture of species of bamboos including long and shortfibers. Length weighted average fiber lengths are significantly shorterthan northern and southern softwood pulp fibers. In addition, the bamboopulps contain a high portion of primary fines in the form of parenchymacells. It is well known that the presence of high levels of fines intissue products create a decrease in surface softness and an increase instiffness of tissue sheets. Thus, tissue sheets comprising high amountsof bamboo fibers tend to be less soft than those comprising wood fibers.Moreover, given the relatively short fiber length and high level ofprimary fines, bamboo pulp fibers would not be predicted to provide gooddurability or softness properties to premium tissue products whenspecifically replacing wood pulp fibers. Generally, bamboo fibers havecoarseness and fines that are too high to replace hardwood fibers and anaverage fiber length that is too short and cell walls that are too thickto replace softwood fibers.

SUMMARY

It has now been unexpectedly discovered that bamboo fibers, despitehaving relatively short fiber length, thick cell walls and a narrowlumen may be incorporated into a through-air dried tissue web, andparticularly the non-skin contacting layer of a multi layered web, toyield a tissue web having improved bulk without a significant increasein stiffness or decrease in durability. These properties areparticularly acute when bamboo fibers are substituted for high averagefiber length wood fibers, such as softwood fibers and more specificallyNorthern Softwood Kraft (NSWK). Accordingly, in certain preferredembodiments, bamboo fibers may replace at least about 50 percent of theNSWK in the web and more preferably at least about 75 percent of theNWSK, such that bamboo fiber comprises at least about 10 percent andmore preferably at least about 20 percent by weight of the web.Moreover, it has been discovered that softness levels may be furtherimproved by disposing the bamboo fibers within the fibrous tissue websuch that the bamboo fibers are not brought into contact with a user'sskin in-use, such as in the middle layer of a three layered structure.Furthermore, it has been discovered that through-air dried webscomprising bamboo fibers have an unexpected increase in bulk. Theimproved durability and bulk are observed for several species of bamboo,including both tropical and temperate timber bamboo.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, in one embodiment, athrough-air dried tissue web comprising bamboo fiber, wherein the bamboofiber comprises at least about 10 percent by weight of the tissue web.If desired, the bamboo pulp fibers may have an average fiber lengthgreater than about 1 mm, such as from about 1.1 to about 2.5 mm and morepreferably from about 1.2 to about 2 mm

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a through-airdried tissue web comprising bamboo fiber wherein the bamboo fiber hasreplaced a significant portion of the long fiber, particularly NSWKfiber such that the amount of NSWK fiber in the web is less than about20 percent of the total web such as from about 0 to about 15 percent andmore preferably from about 0 to about 10 percent of the total weight ofthe web.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a multi-layeredthrough air dried tissue web comprising two or more layers including afirst layer and a second layer, wherein a greater weight percent ofbamboo fiber is present in the second layer than in the first layer. Incertain preferred embodiments the first layer comprises hardwood fibersand the second layer comprises bamboo and softwood fibers, wherein theweight ratio of bamboo fiber to softwood fiber is greater than 1:1.

In still other embodiments the disclosure provides a multi-layeredtissue web comprising a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer,wherein the first fibrous layer comprises wood fibers and the secondfibrous layer comprises bamboo fiber, wherein bamboo fibers comprisefrom about 75 to about 100 percent by weight of the second layer.

In other embodiments the disclosure provides a through-air dried tissueproduct comprising bamboo fibers, wherein the bamboo fibers are selectedfrom the group consisting of temperate running bamboos including but notlimited to Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens, Phyllostachys nigravariant Henon, Phyllostachys vivax and Phyllostachys Bambusoides, andmixtures thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a process for formingan uncreped through-air dried tissue web for use in the presentdisclosure.

DEFINITIONS

It should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” and other derivatives from the rootterm “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify thepresence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, orcomponents, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition ofone or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, orgroups thereof.

As used herein, the term “Tear Index” refers to the quotient of thegeometric mean tear strength (typically expressed in grams) divided bythe geometric mean tensile strength (typically expressed in grams per 3inches) multiplied by 1,000 where the geometric mean tear index isdefined as the square root of the product of the machine directionaltear strength and the cross directional tear strength.

${{Tear}\mspace{14mu} {Index}} = {\frac{\sqrt{{MD}\mspace{14mu} {Tear} \times \; {CD}\mspace{14mu} {Tear}}}{G\; M\; T} \times 1,000}$

While tear index may vary depending on the composition of the tissueweb, as well as the basis weight of the web, webs prepared according tothe present disclosure generally have a Tear Index greater than about 5,more preferably greater than about 6 and still more preferably greaterthan about 7 such as from about 7 to about 20.

As used herein, the term “Burst Index” refers to the quotient of the dryburst peak load (also referred to as the dry burst strength andtypically expressed gram feet) divided by the geometric mean tensilestrength multiplied by 10.

${{Burst}\mspace{14mu} {Index}} = {\frac{{Dry}\mspace{14mu} {Burst}\mspace{14mu} {Strength}}{G\; M\; T} \times 10}$

While Burst Index may vary depending on the composition of the tissueweb, as well as the basis weight of the web, webs prepared according tothe present disclosure generally have a burst index greater than 3, morepreferably greater than about 4 and still more preferably greater thanabout 5.

As used herein, the terms “geometric mean tensile” and “GMT” refer tothe square root of the product of the machine direction tensile strengthand the cross-machine direction tensile strength of the web. As usedherein, tensile strength refers to geometric mean tensile strength aswould be apparent to one skilled in the art unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the terms “geometric mean tensile energy index” and “TEAIndex” refer to the square root of the product of the MD and CD tensileenergy absorption (“MD TEA” and “CD TEA,” typically expressed ing·cm/cm²) divided by the GMT strength multiplied by 1,000.

${T\; E\; A\mspace{14mu} {Index}} = {\frac{\sqrt{{MD}\mspace{14mu} T\; E\; A \times \; {CD}\mspace{14mu} T\; E\; A}}{G\; M\; T} \times 1,000}$

While the TEA Index may vary depending on the composition of the tissueweb, as well as the basis weight of the web, webs prepared according tothe present disclosure generally have a TEA Index greater than about 6,more preferably greater than about 7 and still more preferably greaterthan about 8, such as from about 8 to about 20.

As used herein, the term “Durability Index” refers to the sum of thetear index, burst index and TEA Index and is an indication of thedurability of the product at a given tensile strength.

Durability Index=Tear Index+Burst Index+TEA Index

While the Durability Index may vary depending on the composition of thetissue web, as well as the basis weight of the web, webs preparedaccording to the present disclosure generally have a Durability Indexvalues of about 15 or greater, more preferably about 18 or greater andstill more preferably about 20 or greater such as from about 20 to about50.

As used herein, the term “Stiffness Index” refers to the quotient of thegeometric mean tensile slope, defined as the square root of the productof the MD and CD tensile slopes, divided by the geometric mean tensilestrength.

${{Stiffness}\mspace{14mu} {Index}} = {\frac{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{{MD}\mspace{14mu} {Tensile}\mspace{14mu} {Slope} \times} \\{{CD}\mspace{14mu} {Tensile}\mspace{14mu} {Slope}}\end{matrix}\;}}{G\; M\; T} \times 1,000}$

While the Stiffness Index may vary depending on the composition of thetissue web, as well as the basis weight of the web, webs preparedaccording to the present disclosure generally have a Stiffness Indexvalues of less than about 16, more preferably less than about 15 andstill more preferably less than about 14 such as from about 5 to about14.

As used herein, the term “average fiber length” refers to the lengthweighted average length of fibers determined utilizing a Kajaani fiberanalyzer model No. FS-100 available from Kajaani Oy Electronics,Kajaani, Finland. According to the test procedure, a pulp sample istreated with a macerating liquid to ensure that no fiber bundles orshives are present. Each pulp sample is disintegrated into hot water anddiluted to an approximately 0.001 percent solution. Individual testsamples are drawn in approximately 50 to 100 ml portions from the dilutesolution when tested using the standard Kajaani fiber analysis testprocedure. The weighted average fiber length may be expressed by thefollowing equation:

$\sum\limits_{x_{i} = 0}^{k}{\left( {x_{i} \times n_{i}} \right)/n}$

-   where k =maximum fiber length-   x_(i)=fiber length-   n_(i)=number of fibers having length x_(i)-   n=total number of fibers measured.

As used herein, a “tissue product” generally refers to various paperproducts, such as facial tissue, bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, andthe like. Normally, the basis weight of a tissue product of the presentinvention is less than about 80 grams per square meter (gsm), in someembodiments less than about 60 gsm, and in some embodiments, betweenabout 10 to about 60 gsm.

Tissue products are further differentiated from other paper products interms of their bulk. The bulk of the tissue and towel products of thepresent invention is calculated as the quotient of the caliper(hereinafter defined), expressed in microns, divided by the basisweight, expressed in grams per square meter. The resulting bulk isexpressed as cubic centimeters per gram. In certain embodiments tissueproducts may have a bulk greater than about 5 cm³/g and still morepreferably greater than about 7 cm³/g, such as from about 7 to about 15cm³/g. Tissue webs prepared according to the present disclosure may havehigher bulk than the tissue products incorporating the same webs. Forexample, tissue webs may have a bulk greater than about 7 cm³/g, such asgreater than about 10 cm³/g, such as from about 12 to about 24 cm³/g.

As used herein, the term “layer” refers to a plurality of strata offibers, chemical treatments, or the like within a ply.

As used herein, the terms “layered tissue web,” “multi-layered tissueweb,” “multi-layered web,” and “multi-layered paper sheet,” generallyrefer to sheets of paper prepared from two or more layers of aqueouspapermaking furnish which are preferably comprised of different fibertypes. The layers are preferably formed from the deposition of separatestreams of dilute fiber slurries, upon one or more endless foraminousscreens. If the individual layers are initially formed on separateforaminous screens, the layers are subsequently combined (while wet) toform a layered composite web.

The term “ply” refers to a discrete product element. Individual pliesmay be arranged in juxtaposition to each other. The term may refer to aplurality of web-like components such as in a multi-ply facial tissue,bath tissue, paper towel, wipe, or napkin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to a through-air dried tissueproduct comprising a tissue web that has been formed from wood andbamboo fibers. It has been discovered that by replacing some of the woodfibers with bamboo fibers that a bulkier and more durable web may beproduced without sacrificing softness.

Table 1 compares hardwood (Eucalyptus pulp fiber, Aracruz Cellulose,Brazil) softwood (NSWK pulp fiber, Northern Pulp, Canada) and kraftpulps prepared from three different bamboo species, Phyllostachysedulis, Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys nigra variant Henon.

TABLE 1 Average Average Fiber Fiber Fiber Length: Length Width FiberCoarseness Fiber Type (mm) (μm) Width (mg/100 m) Phyllostachys edulis1.23  8.4 146 10.53 Bambusa vulgaris 2.09 10.9 192 10.37 Phyllostachysnigra 1.65  9.0 184 10.85 variant Henon NSWK Pulp Fiber 2.18 27.6  7914.83 Eucalyptus Pulp Fiber 0.76 19.1  40  8.95For bamboo pulp fibers, the ratio of length to width (commonly referredto as the “aspect ratio”) generally varies between about 150 and about200, although both length and width vary amongst species. Generallyaverage fiber lengths for bamboo pulp fibers range from about 2 mm forB. vlgaris to about 1.2 mm for Phyllostachys edulis. As shown in Table1, bamboo pulp fibers are generally greater in length than Eucalyptusfibers, but shorter than NSWK fibers. However, bamboo pulp fibers tendto have greater aspect ratios and higher coarseness than Eucalyptusfibers. Additionally, bamboo pulp fibers tend to have relatively slenderlumens and thick cell walls, yielding Runkel Ratios (ratio of twice thecell wall thickness to the diameter of the lumen) greater than 1. Forexample, the reported Runkel Ratios for Phyllostachys nigra variantHenon and Bambusa vulgaris are 2.17 and 3.20 respectively. Fibers havingRunkel Ratios greater than 1 are commonly considered poor candidates foruse in tissue because the thick cell walls produce stiff webs havingpoor tensile strength and low bulk.

Despite the tendency of bamboo pulp fibers to have relatively thickercell walls, higher Runkel Ratios, higher aspect ratios and shorteraverage fiber lengths compared to softwood fibers it has now beensurprisingly discovered that they may replace softwood fibers in athrough-air dried tissue web without decreasing durability and bulk orincreasing stiffness. Even more surprising is that substitution ofbamboo fibers for softwood fibers actually increases bulk withoutnegatively affecting durability and stiffness.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the disclosure provides a tissueweb and more preferably a through-air dried tissue web and still morepreferably a multi-layered through-air dried web comprising bamboo,wherein the bamboo fibers comprise at least about 10 percent of thetotal weight of the web. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thetissue web comprises a multi-layered through-air dried web whereinbamboo fiber is selectively disposed in only one of the layers such thatthe bamboo fiber is not brought into contact with the user's skinin-use. For example, in one embodiment the tissue web may comprise a twolayered web wherein the first layer consists essentially of wood fibersand is substantially free of bamboo fibers and the second layercomprises bamboo fibers, wherein the bamboo fibers comprises at leastabout 50 percent by weight of the second layer, such as from about 50 toabout 100 percent by weight of the second layer. It should be understoodthat, when referring to a layer that is substantially free of bamboofibers, negligible amounts of the fibers may be present therein,however, such small amounts often arise from the bamboo fibers appliedto an adjacent layer, and do not typically substantially affect thesoftness or other physical characteristics of the web.

The tissue webs may be incorporated into tissue products that may beeither single or multi-ply, where one or more of the plies may be formedby a multi-layered tissue web having bamboo fibers selectivelyincorporated in one of its layers. A particularly preferred embodimenttissue product is constructed such that the bamboo fibers are notbrought into contact with the user's skin in-use. For example, thetissue product may comprise two multi-layered through-air dried webswherein each web comprises a first fibrous layer substantially free frombamboo and a second fibrous layer comprising bamboo. The webs are pliedtogether such that the outer surface of the tissue product is formedfrom the first fibrous layers of each web, such that the surface broughtinto contact with the user's skin in-use is substantially free of bamboofibers.

Generally, the bamboo fibers incorporated in the webs of the presentdisclosure are fibrous materials derived from any bamboo species. Thebamboo fiber species may be selected from the group consisting ofAcidosasa sp., Ampleocalamus sp., Arundinaria sp., Bambusa sp., Bashaniasp., Borinda sp., Brachystachyum sp., Cephalostachyum sp.,Chimonobambusa sp., Chusquea sp., Dendrocalamus sp., Dinochloa sp.,Drepanostachyum sp., Eremitis sp., Fargesia sp., Gaoligongshania sp.,Gelidocalamus sp., Gigantocloa sp., Guadua sp., Hibanobambusa sp.,Himalayacalamus sp., Indocalamus sp., Indosasa sp., Lithachne sp.,Melocanna sp., Menstruocalamus sp., Nastus sp., Neohouzeaua sp.,Neomicrocalamus sp., Ochlandra sp., Oligostachyum sp., Olmeca sp.,Otatea sp., Oxytenanthera sp., Phyllostachys sp., Pleioblastus sp.,Pseudosasa sp., Raddia sp., Rhipidocladum sp., Sasa sp., Sasaella sp.,Sasamorpha sp., Schizostachyum sp., Semiarundinaria sp., Shibatea sp.,Sinobambusa sp., Thamnocalamus sp., Thyrsostachys sp., Yushania sp. andmixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the bamboo fiber is from temperate bamboos of thePhyllostachys species, for example Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens,also known as Moso Bamboo. However, it is to be understood that thecompositions disclosed herein are not limited to containing any onebamboo fiber and may comprise a plurality of fibers of differentspecies. For example, the composition may comprise a bamboo from aPhyllostachys heterocycla pubescens and a bamboo from a differentspecies such as, for example, Phyllostachys bambusoides.

Bamboo fiber for use in the webs and products of the present disclosuremay be produced by any appropriate methods known in the art. Preferablythe bamboo fibers are pulped bamboo fibers, produced by chemicalprocessing of crushed bamboo stalk. The chemical processing may comprisetreating the crushed bamboo stalk with an appropriate alkaline solution.The skilled artisan will be capable of selecting an appropriate alkalinesolution. Bamboo fiber may also be produced by mechanical processing ofcrushed bamboo stalk, which may involve enzymatic digestion of thecrushed bamboo stalk.

Although bamboo fiber may be produced by any appropriate methods knownin the art, the preferred method for manufacturing the bamboo pulp is asa chemical pulping method such as, but not limited to, kraft, sulfite orsoda/AQ pulping techniques.

Preferably the bamboo fibers are bamboo pulp fibers and have an averagefiber length of at least about 1 mm When blends of fibers from variousbamboo species are employed, it is noted that blends may comprise two ormore species of bamboo, preferably three or more, such that the averagefiber length is at least about 1.2 mm and more preferably at least about1.5 mm, such as from about 1.2 to about 2 mm

Regardless of the species or particular average fiber length, at leastone layer of a multi-layered web comprises bamboo fiber. Themulti-layered web may also contain wood fibers and may be layered suchthat one layer comprises wood fibers, which optionally is substantiallyfree from bamboo fibers, while another layer comprises wood and bamboofibers. The wood fibers may include fibers formed by a variety ofpulping processes, such as kraft pulp, sulfite pulp, thermomechanicalpulp, and the like. Further, the wood fibers may be any high-averagefiber length wood pulp, low-average fiber length wood pulp, or mixturesof the same. One example of suitable high-average length wood pulpfibers include softwood fibers such as, but not limited to, northernsoftwood, southern softwood, redwood, red cedar, hemlock, pine (e.g.,southern pines), spruce (e.g., black spruce), combinations thereof, andthe like. One example of suitable low-average length wood pulp fibersinclude hardwood fibers, such as, but not limited to, eucalyptus, maple,birch, aspen, and the like. In certain instances, eucalyptus fibers maybe particularly desired to increase the softness of the web. Eucalyptusfibers can also enhance the brightness, increase the opacity, and changethe pore structure of the web to increase its wicking ability. Moreover,if desired, secondary fibers obtained from recycled materials may beused, such as fiber pulp from sources such as, for example, newsprint,reclaimed paperboard, and office waste.

In a particularly preferred embodiment bamboo fibers are utilized in thetissue web as a replacement for high average fiber length wood fiberssuch as softwood fibers and more specifically NSWK. In one particularembodiment, the bamboo fibers are derived from Phyllostachys pubescensand replace NSWK such that the total amount of NSWK, by weight of theweb, is less than about 10 percent. In other embodiments it may bedesirable to replace all of the wood fiber in a given layer such thatthe layer consists essentially of bamboo fiber.

In certain embodiments it may be desirable to have particularcombinations of bamboo and wood pulp fibers within a given layer toprovide desired characteristics. For example, it may be desirable tocombine bamboo and wood fibers having different average fiber lengths,coarseness, cell wall thickness, or other characteristics, in certainlayers.

Just as the amount of bamboo within any given layer may be varied, theratio of bamboo fibers to total fiber in the web may generally varydepending on the desired properties of the tissue product. For instance,the use of a thicker bamboo layer typically results in a tissue productwith higher durability but lower softness. Additionally, the use of alarge amount of bamboo fibers may negatively impact sheet formation andmay increase the cost of manufacture. Likewise, the use of very lowamounts of bamboo fibers, i.e., less than about 10 percent of the totalweight of the web, typically results in a tissue product having littlediscernable difference compared to tissue products manufactured withoutbamboo. Thus, in certain embodiments, tissue webs prepared according tothe present disclosure comprise bamboo fibers in an amount from about 10to about 80 percent by weight of the web, preferably from about fromabout 15 to about 60 percent and more preferably from about 25 to about50 percent.

As noted previously, in a preferred embodiment bamboo fibers areintroduced to the web as a replacement for softwood fibers, accordinglyin such preferred embodiments the amount of softwood fibers in the webmay range from about 0 to about 20 percent by weight of the total web,more preferably from 0 to about 10 percent and most preferably less thanabout 5 percent by weight of the total web. In one preferred embodimentthe amount of softwood fiber in the web is less than 1 percent by weightof the total web.

In addition to varying the amount of bamboo within the web, as well asthe amount in any given layer, the physical properties of the web may bevaried by specifically selecting particular layer(s) for incorporationof the bamboo fibers. It has now been discovered that the greatestincrease in softness without adverse effects on tensile strength orother sheet properties is achieved by selectively incorporating thebamboo fibers in a multi-layered web such that the layer comprisingbamboo is not brought into contact with the user's skin in-use. Further,if desired, the increase in cost often encountered with bamboo fiberscan be reduced by restricting application of the bamboo fibers to only asingle layer of the web. For instance, in one embodiment, athree-layered tissue web can be formed in which only the middle layercontains bamboo fibers, while the outer layers are substantially free ofbamboo fibers.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the tissue web is a multi-layeredweb comprising a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer, whereinthe first fibrous layer comprises wood fibers and the second fibrouslayer comprises bamboo fibers, wherein the amount of bamboo fibers isfrom about 50 to about 100 percent by weight of the second layer. Incertain embodiments the second fibrous layer may comprise a blend ofwood and bamboo fibers, and more preferably a blend of bamboo andsoftwood fibers wherein the amount of bamboo fibers is from about 50 toabout 90 percent by weight of the second layer and still more preferablyfrom about 80 to about 95 percent by weight of the second layer. In aparticularly preferred embodiment the first fibrous layer compriseshardwood fiber.

In other embodiments the present disclosure provides a two-ply tissueproduct. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tissue productcontains an upper multi-layered tissue web and a lower multi-layeredtissue web that are plied together using well-known techniques. Themulti-layered webs comprise at least a first and a second layer, whereinbamboo fibers are selectively incorporated in only one of the layers,such that when the webs are plied together the layers containing thebamboo fibers are not brought into contact with the user's skin in-use.For example, the two-ply tissue product may comprise a first and secondtissue web, wherein the tissue webs each comprise a first and secondlayer. The first layer of each tissue web comprises wood fibers and issubstantially free of bamboo fibers, while the second layer of eachtissue web comprises bamboo fibers. When the tissue webs are pliedtogether to form the tissue product the second layers of each web arearranged in a facing relationship such that the bamboo fibers are notbrought into contact with the user's skin in-use.

If desired, various chemical compositions may be applied to one or morelayers of the multi-layered tissue web to further enhance softnessand/or reduce the generation of lint or slough. For example, in someembodiments, a wet strength agent can be utilized, to further increasethe strength of the tissue product. As used herein, a “wet strengthagent” is any material that, when added to pulp fibers can provide aresulting web or sheet with a wet geometric tensile strength to drygeometric tensile strength ratio in excess of about 0.1. Typically thesematerials are termed either “permanent” wet strength agents or“temporary” wet strength agents. As is well known in the art, temporaryand permanent wet strength agents may also sometimes function as drystrength agents to enhance the strength of the tissue product when dry.

Wet strength agents may be applied in various amounts, depending on thedesired characteristics of the web. For instance, in some embodiments,the total amount of wet strength agents added can be between about 1 toabout 60 pound per ton (lb/T), in some embodiments, between about 5 toabout 30 lb/T, and in some embodiments, between about 7 to about 13 lb/Tof the dry weight of fibrous material. The wet strength agents can beincorporated into any layer of the multi-layered tissue web.

A chemical debonder can also be applied to soften the web. Specifically,a chemical debonder can reduce the amount of hydrogen bonds within oneor more layers of the web, which results in a softer product. Dependingon the desired characteristics of the resulting tissue product, thedebonder can be utilized in varying amounts. For example, in someembodiments, the debonder can be applied in an amount between about 1 toabout 30 lb/T, in some embodiments between about 3 to about 20 lb/T, andin some embodiments, between about 6 to about 15 lb/T of the dry weightof fibrous material. The debonder can be incorporated into any layer ofthe multi-layered tissue web.

Any material capable of enhancing the soft feel of a web by disruptinghydrogen bonding can generally be used as a debonder in the presentinvention. In particular, as stated above, it is typically desired thatthe debonder possess a cationic charge for forming an electrostatic bondwith anionic groups present on the pulp. Some examples of suitablecationic debonders can include, but are not limited to, quaternaryammonium compounds, imidazolinium compounds, bis-imidazoliniumcompounds, diquaternary ammonium compounds, polyquaternary ammoniumcompounds, ester-functional quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g.,quaternized fatty acid trialkanolamine ester salts), phospholipidderivatives, polydimethylsiloxanes and related cationic and non-ionicsilicone compounds, fatty and carboxylic acid derivatives, mono andpolysaccharide derivatives, polyhydroxy hydrocarbons, etc. For instance,some suitable debonders are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,716,498,5,730,839, 6,211,139, 5,543,067, and WO/0021918, all which areincorporated herein in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

Still other suitable debonders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,529,665and 5,558,873, both of which are incorporated herein in a mannerconsistent with the present disclosure. In particular, U.S. Pat. No.5,529,665 discloses the use of various cationic silicone compositions assoftening agents.

Tissue webs of the present disclosure can generally be formed by any ofa variety of papermaking processes known in the art. Preferably thetissue web is formed by through-air drying and be either creped oruncreped. For example, a papermaking process of the present disclosurecan utilize adhesive creping, wet creping, double creping, embossing,wet-pressing, air pressing, through-air drying, creped through-airdrying, uncreped through-air drying, as well as other steps in formingthe paper web. Some examples of such techniques are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,048,589, 5,399,412, 5,129,988 and 5,494,554 all of which areincorporated herein in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.When forming multi-ply tissue products, the separate plies can be madefrom the same process or from different processes as desired.

For example, in one embodiment, tissue webs may be creped through-airdried webs formed using processes known in the art. To form such webs,an endless traveling forming fabric, suitably supported and driven byrolls, receives the layered papermaking stock issuing from headbox. Avacuum box is disposed beneath the forming fabric and is adapted toremove water from the fiber furnish to assist in forming a web. From theforming fabric, a formed web is transferred to a second fabric, whichmay be either a wire or a felt. The fabric is supported for movementaround a continuous path by a plurality of guide rolls. A pick up rolldesigned to facilitate transfer of web from fabric to fabric may beincluded to transfer the web.

Preferably the formed web is dried by transfer to the surface of arotatable heated dryer drum, such as a Yankee dryer. The web may betransferred to the Yankee directly from the throughdrying fabric, orpreferably, transferred to an impression fabric which is then used totransfer the web to the Yankee dryer. In accordance with the presentdisclosure, the creping composition of the present disclosure may beapplied topically to the tissue web while the web is traveling on thefabric or may be applied to the surface of the dryer drum for transferonto one side of the tissue web. In this manner, the creping compositionis used to adhere the tissue web to the dryer drum. In this embodiment,as the web is carried through a portion of the rotational path of thedryer surface, heat is imparted to the web causing most of the moisturecontained within the web to be evaporated. The web is then removed fromthe dryer drum by a creping blade. The creping web as it is formedfurther reduces internal bonding within the web and increases softness.Applying the creping composition to the web during creping, on the otherhand, may increase the strength of the web.

In another embodiment the formed web is transferred to the surface ofthe rotatable heated dryer drum, which may be a Yankee dryer. The pressroll may, in one embodiment, comprise a suction pressure roll. In orderto adhere the web to the surface of the dryer drum, a creping adhesivemay be applied to the surface of the dryer drum by a spraying device.The spraying device may emit a creping composition made in accordancewith the present disclosure or may emit a conventional creping adhesive.The web is adhered to the surface of the dryer drum and then creped fromthe drum using the creping blade. If desired, the dryer drum may beassociated with a hood. The hood may be used to force air against orthrough the web.

In other embodiments, once creped from the dryer drum, the web may beadhered to a second dryer drum. The second dryer drum may comprise, forinstance, a heated drum surrounded by a hood. The drum may be heatedfrom about 25 to about 200° C., such as from about 100 to about 150° C.

In order to adhere the web to the second dryer drum, a second spraydevice may emit an adhesive onto the surface of the dryer drum. Inaccordance with the present disclosure, for instance, the second spraydevice may emit a creping composition as described above. The crepingcomposition not only assists in adhering the tissue web to the dryerdrum, but also is transferred to the surface of the web as the web iscreped from the dryer drum by the creping blade.

Once creped from the second dryer drum, the web may, optionally, be fedaround a cooling reel drum and cooled prior to being wound on a reel.

For example, once a fibrous web is formed and dried, in one aspect, thecreping composition may be applied to at least one side of the web andthe at least one side of the web may then be creped. In general, thecreping composition may be applied to only one side of the web and onlyone side of the web may be creped, the creping composition may beapplied to both sides of the web and only one side of the web is creped,or the creping composition may be applied to each side of the web andeach side of the web may be creped.

Once creped the tissue web may be pulled through a drying station. Thedrying station can include any form of a heating unit, such as an ovenenergized by infra-red heat, microwave energy, hot air or the like. Adrying station may be necessary in some applications to dry the weband/or cure the creping composition. Depending upon the crepingcomposition selected, however, in other applications a drying stationmay not be needed.

In other embodiments, the base web is formed by an uncreped through-airdrying process. Referring to FIG. 1, a process of carrying out using thepresent disclosure will be described in greater detail. The processshown depicts an uncreped throughdried process, but it will berecognized that any known papermaking method or tissue making method canbe used in conjunction with the nonwoven tissue making fabrics of thepresent disclosure. Related uncreped through-air dried tissue processesare described for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,656,132 and 6,017,417,both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in a mannerconsistent with the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1, a twin wire former having a papermaking headbox 10 injects ordeposits a furnish of an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers onto aplurality of forming fabrics, such as the outer forming fabric 5 and theinner forming fabric 3, thereby forming a wet tissue web 6. The formingprocess of the present disclosure may be any conventional formingprocess known in the papermaking industry. Such formation processesinclude, but are not limited to, Fourdriniers, roof formers such assuction breast roll formers, and gap formers such as twin wire formersand crescent formers.

The wet tissue web 6 forms on the inner forming fabric 3 as the innerforming fabric 3 revolves about a forming roll 4. The inner formingfabric 3 serves to support and carry the newly-formed wet tissue web 6downstream in the process as the wet tissue web 6 is partially dewateredto a consistency of about 10 percent based on the dry weight of thefibers. Additional dewatering of the wet tissue web 6 may be carried outby known paper making techniques, such as vacuum suction boxes, whilethe inner forming fabric 3 supports the wet tissue web 6. The wet tissueweb 6 may be additionally dewatered to a consistency of at least about20 percent, more specifically between about 20 to about 40 percent, andmore specifically about 20 to about 30 percent.

The forming fabric 3 can generally be made from any suitable porousmaterial, such as metal wires or polymeric filaments. For instance, somesuitable fabrics can include, but are not limited to, Albany 84M and 94Mavailable from Albany International (Albany, N.Y.) Asten 856, 866, 867,892, 934, 939, 959, or 937; Asten Synweve Design 274, all of which areavailable from Asten Forming Fabrics, Inc. (Appleton, Wis.); and Voith2164 available from Voith Fabrics (Appleton, Wis.). Forming fabrics orfelts comprising nonwoven base layers may also be useful, includingthose of Scapa Corporation made with extruded polyurethane foam such asthe Spectra Series.

The wet web 6 is then transferred from the forming fabric 3 to atransfer fabric 8 while at a solids consistency of between about 10 toabout 35 percent, and particularly, between about 20 to about 30percent. As used herein, a “transfer fabric” is a fabric that ispositioned between the forming section and the drying section of the webmanufacturing process.

Transfer to the transfer fabric 8 may be carried out with the assistanceof positive and/or negative pressure. For example, in one embodiment, avacuum shoe 9 can apply negative pressure such that the forming fabric 3and the transfer fabric 8 simultaneously converge and diverge at theleading edge of the vacuum slot. Typically, the vacuum shoe 9 suppliespressure at levels between about 10 to about 25 inches of mercury. Asstated above, the vacuum transfer shoe 9 (negative pressure) can besupplemented or replaced by the use of positive pressure from theopposite side of the web to blow the web onto the next fabric. In someembodiments, other vacuum shoes can also be used to assist in drawingthe fibrous web 6 onto the surface of the transfer fabric 8.

Typically, the transfer fabric 8 travels at a slower speed than theforming fabric 3 to enhance the MD and CD stretch of the web, whichgenerally refers to the stretch of a web in its cross (CD) or machinedirection (MD) (expressed as percent elongation at sample failure). Forexample, the relative speed difference between the two fabrics can befrom about 1 to about 30 percent, in some embodiments from about 5 toabout 20 percent, and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 15percent. This is commonly referred to as “rush transfer”. During “rushtransfer”, many of the bonds of the web are believed to be broken,thereby forcing the sheet to bend and fold into the depressions on thesurface of the transfer fabric 8. Such molding to the contours of thesurface of the transfer fabric 8 may increase the MD and CD stretch ofthe web. Rush transfer from one fabric to another can follow theprinciples taught in any one of the following patents, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,667,636, 5,830,321, 4,440,597, 4,551,199, 4,849,054, all of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in a manner consistent with thepresent disclosure.

The wet tissue web 6 is then transferred from the transfer fabric 8 to athroughdrying fabric 11. Typically, the transfer fabric 8 travels atapproximately the same speed as the throughdrying fabric 11. However, ithas now been discovered that a second rush transfer may be performed asthe web is transferred from the transfer fabric 8 to a throughdryingfabric 11. This rush transfer is referred to herein as occurring at thesecond position and is achieved by operating the throughdrying fabric 11at a slower speed than the transfer fabric 8. By performing rushtransfer at two distinct locations, i.e., the first and the secondpositions, a tissue product having increased CD stretch may be produced.

In addition to rush transferring the wet tissue web from the transferfabric 8 to the throughdrying fabric 11, the wet tissue web 6 may bemacroscopically rearranged to conform to the surface of thethroughdrying fabric 11 with the aid of a vacuum transfer roll 12 or avacuum transfer shoe like the vacuum shoe 9. If desired, thethroughdrying fabric 11 can be run at a speed slower than the speed ofthe transfer fabric 8 to further enhance MD stretch of the resultingabsorbent tissue product. The transfer may be carried out with vacuumassistance to ensure confirmation of the wet tissue web 6 to thetopography of the throughdrying fabric 11.

While supported by the throughdrying fabric 11, the wet tissue web 6 isdried to a final consistency of about 94 percent or greater by athroughdryer 13. The web 15 then passes through the winding nip betweenthe reel drum 22 and the reel 23 and is wound into a roll of tissue 25for subsequent converting, such as slitting cutting, folding, andpackaging.

The web is transferred to the throughdrying fabric for final dryingpreferably with the assistance of vacuum to ensure macroscopicrearrangement of the web to give the desired bulk and appearance. Theuse of separate transfer and throughdrying fabrics can offer variousadvantages since it allows the two fabrics to be designed specificallyto address key product requirements independently. For example, thetransfer fabrics are generally optimized to allow efficient conversionof high rush transfer levels to high MD stretch while throughdryingfabrics are designed to deliver bulk and CD stretch. It is thereforeuseful to have moderately coarse and moderately three-dimensionaltransfer fabrics and throughdrying fabrics which are quite coarse andthree dimensional in the optimized configuration. The result is that arelatively smooth sheet leaves the transfer section and then ismacroscopically rearranged (with vacuum assist) to give the high bulk,high CD stretch surface topology of the throughdrying fabric. Sheettopology is completely changed from transfer to throughdrying fabric andfibers are macroscopically rearranged, including significant fiber-fibermovement.

The drying process can be any noncompressive drying method which tendsto preserve the bulk or thickness of the wet web including, withoutlimitation, throughdrying, infra-red radiation, microwave drying, etc.Because of its commercial availability and practicality, throughdryingis well known and is one commonly used means for noncompressively dryingthe web for purposes of this invention. Suitable throughdrying fabricsinclude, without limitation, fabrics with substantially continuousmachine direction ridges whereby the ridges are made up of multiple warpstrands grouped together, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,998,024. Other suitable throughdrying fabrics include those disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,607, which is incorporated herein in a mannerconsistent with the present disclosure, particularly the fabrics denotedas Fred (t1207-77), Jeston (t1207-6) and Jack (t1207-12). The web ispreferably dried to final dryness on the throughdrying fabric, withoutbeing pressed against the surface of a Yankee dryer, and withoutsubsequent creping.

Once the wet tissue web 6 has been non-compressively dried, therebyforming the dried tissue web 15, it is possible to crepe the driedtissue web 15 by transferring the dried tissue web 15 to a Yankee dryerprior to reeling, or using alternative foreshortening methods such asmicrocreping as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,877.

In the wound product, it is often advantageous to wind the product withthe softest side facing the consumer, and hence the shearing process toincrease the softness of this side is preferred. However, it is alsopossible to treat the air side of the web rather than the fabric side,and in these embodiments, it would be possible to increase the air-sidesoftness to a level higher than that of the fabric side.

The process of the present disclosure is well suited to formingmulti-ply tissue products. The multi-ply tissue products can contain twoplies, three plies, or a greater number of plies. In one particularembodiment, a two-ply rolled tissue product is formed according to thepresent disclosure in which both plies are manufactured using the samepapermaking process, such as, for example, uncreped through-air dried.However, in other embodiments, the plies may be formed by two differentprocesses. Generally, prior to being wound in a roll, the first ply andthe second ply are attached together. Any suitable manner for laminatingthe webs together may be used. For example, the process includes acrimping device that causes the plies to mechanically attach togetherthrough fiber entanglement. In an alternative embodiment, however, anadhesive may be used in order to attach the plies together.

Additionally, webs prepared according to the present disclosure may besubjected to any suitable post processing including, but not limited to,printing, embossing, calendaring, slitting, folding, combining withother fibrous structures, and the like.

By combining bamboo fibers in a tissue web in this manner, thedisclosure provides tissue webs having surprising characteristics. Forexample, through-air dried tissue webs comprising bamboo have improvedbulk, without a loss of durability or softness. Table 2 below shows acomparison of through-air dried and conventional wet pressed controlwebs comprising hardwood and softwood fibers with comparable webswherein the softwood fiber has been replaced with either bamboo orhardwood Eucalyptus fiber, respectively. As shown in Table 2, theaddition of bamboo to the web results in an increase in sheet bulkwithout negatively effecting durability or softness. However, thiseffect is only observed for through-air dried tissue webs. When the webis manufactured using conventional wet pressed techniques the bulkactually decreases, while durability and softness are negativelyaffected. Similarly, replacement of the softwood fiber with hardwoodfiber, while resulting in an increase in bulk, causes a decrease in bothdurability and softness.

TABLE 2 Bamboo Eucalyptus Delta Delta Delta Delta Con- Delta DurabilityStiffness Delta Durability Stiffness trol Bulk Index Index Bulk IndexIndex TAD 7.7% −0.8% 12.7% 7.9% −14.8% 30.1% Web CWP −10.9% −20.6% 31.4%−7.0% −30.5% 30.3% Web

TEST METHODS

Sheet Bulk

Sheet Bulk is calculated as the quotient of the dry sheet caliperexpressed in microns, divided by the dry basis weight, expressed ingrams per square meter. The resulting Sheet Bulk is expressed in cubiccentimeters per gram. More specifically, the Sheet Bulk is therepresentative thickness of a single tissue sheet measured in accordancewith TAPPI test methods T402 “Standard Conditioning and TestingAtmosphere For Paper, Board, Pulp Handsheets and Related Products” andT411 om-89 “Thickness (caliper) of Paper, Paperboard, and CombinedBoard.” The micrometer used for carrying out T411 om-89 is an Emveco200-A Tissue Caliper Tester (Emveco, Inc., Newberg, Oreg.). Themicrometer has a load of 2 kilo-Pascals, a pressure foot area of 2500square millimeters, a pressure foot diameter of 56.42 millimeters, adwell time of 3 seconds and a lowering rate of 0.8 millimeters persecond.

Tear

Tear testing was carried out in accordance with TAPPI test method T-414“Internal Tearing Resistance of Paper (Elmendorf-type method)” using afalling pendulum instrument such as Lorentzen & Wettre Model SE 009.Tear strength is directional and MD and CD tear are measuredindependently.

More particularly, a rectangular test specimen of the sample to betested is cut out of the tissue product or tissue basesheet such thatthe test specimen measures 63 mm±0.15 mm (2.5 inches±0.006″) in thedirection to be tested (such as the MD or CD direction) and between 73and 114 millimeters (2.9 and 4.6 inches) in the other direction. Thespecimen edges must be cut parallel and perpendicular to the testingdirection (not skewed). Any suitable cutting device, capable of theproscribed precision and accuracy, can be used. The test specimen shouldbe taken from areas of the sample that are free of folds, wrinkles,crimp lines, perforations or any other distortions that would make thetest specimen abnormal from the rest of the material.

The number of plies or sheets to test is determined based on the numberof plies or sheets required for the test results to fall between 20 to80 percent on the linear range scale of the tear tester and morepreferably between 20 to 60 percent of the linear range scale of thetear tester. The sample preferably should be cut no closer than 6 mm(0.25 inch) from the edge of the material from which the specimens willbe cut. When testing requires more than one sheet or ply the sheets areplaced facing in the same direction.

The test specimen is then placed between the clamps of the fallingpendulum apparatus with the edge of the specimen aligned with the frontedge of the clamp. The clamps are closed and a 20-millimeter slit is cutinto the leading edge of the specimen usually by a cutting knifeattached to the instrument. For example, on the Lorentzen & Wettre ModelSE 009 the slit is created by pushing down on the cutting knife leveruntil it reaches its stop. The slit should be clean with no tears ornicks as this slit will serve to start the tear during the subsequenttest.

The pendulum is released and the tear value, which is the force requiredto completely tear the test specimen, is recorded. The test is repeateda total of ten times for each sample and the average of the ten readingsreported as the tear strength. Tear strength is reported in units ofgrams of force (gf). The average tear value is the tear strength for thedirection (MD or CD) tested. The “geometric mean tear strength” is thesquare root of the product of the average MD tear strength and theaverage CD tear strength. The Lorentzen & Wettre Model SE 009 has asetting for the number of plies tested. Some testers may need to havethe reported tear strength multiplied by a factor to give a per ply tearstrength. For basesheets intended to be multiple ply products, the tearresults are reported as the tear of the multiple ply product and not thesingle ply basesheet. This is done by multiplying the single plybasesheet tear value by the number of plies in the finished productSimilarly, multiple ply finished product data for tear is presented asthe tear strength for the finished product sheet and not the individualplies. A variety of means can be used to calculate but in general willbe done by inputting the number of sheets to be tested rather thannumber of plies to be tested into the measuring device. For example, twosheets would be two 1-ply sheets for 1-ply product and two 2-ply sheets(4-plies) for 2-ply products.

Tensile

Tensile testing was done in accordance with TAPPI test method T-576“Tensile properties of towel and tissue products (using constant rate ofelongation)” wherein the testing is conducted on a tensile testingmachine maintaining a constant rate of elongation and the width of eachspecimen tested is 3 inches. More specifically, samples for dry tensilestrength testing were prepared by cutting a 3 inches±0.05″ (76.2 mm±1.3mm) wide strip in either the machine direction (MD) or cross-machinedirection (CD) orientation using a JDC Precision Sample Cutter(Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa., Model No. JDC3-10, Serial No. 37333) or equivalent. The instrument used for measuringtensile strengths was an MTS Systems Sintech 11S, Serial No. 6233. Thedata acquisition software was an MTS TestWorks® for Windows Ver. 3.10(MTS Systems Corp., Research Triangle Park, N.C.). The load cell wasselected from either a 50 Newton or 100 Newton maximum, depending on thestrength of the sample being tested, such that the majority of peak loadvalues fall between 10 to 90 percent of the load cell's full scalevalue. The gauge length between jaws was 4±0.04 inches (101.6±1 mm) forfacial tissue and towels and 2±0.02 inches (50.8±0.5 mm) for bathtissue. The crosshead speed was 10±0.4 inches/min (254±1 mm/min), andthe break sensitivity was set at 65 percent. The sample was placed inthe jaws of the instrument, centered both vertically and horizontally.The test was then started and ended when the specimen broke. The peakload was recorded as either the “MD tensile strength” or the “CD tensilestrength” of the specimen depending on direction of the sample beingtested. Ten representative specimens were tested for each product orsheet and the arithmetic average of all individual specimen tests wasrecorded as the appropriate MD or CD tensile strength the product orsheet in units of grams of force per 3 inches of sample. The geometricmean tensile (GMT) strength was calculated and is expressed asgrams-force per 3 inches of sample width. Tensile energy absorbed (TEA)and slope are also calculated by the tensile tester. TEA is reported inunits of gm cm/cm². Slope is recorded in units of kg. Both TEA and Slopeare directional dependent and thus MD and CD directions are measuredindependently. Geometric mean TEA and geometric mean slope are definedas the square root of the product of the representative MD and CD valuesfor the given property.

Multi-ply products were tested as multi-ply products and resultsrepresent the tensile strength of the total product. For example, a2-ply product was tested as a 2-ply product and recorded as such. Abasesheet intended to be used for a two ply product was tested as twoplies and the tensile recorded as such. Alternatively, a single ply maybe tested and the result multiplied by the number of plies in the finalproduct to get the tensile strength.

Burst Strength

Burst strength herein is a measure of the ability of a fibrous structureto absorb energy, when subjected to deformation normal to the plane ofthe fibrous structure. Burst strength may be measured in generalaccordance with ASTM D-6548 with the exception that the testing is doneon a Constant-Rate-of-Extension (MTS Systems Corporation, Eden Prairie,Minn.) tensile tester with a computer-based data acquisition and framecontrol system, where the load cell is positioned above the specimenclamp such that the penetration member is lowered into the test specimencausing it to rupture. The arrangement of the load cell and the specimenis opposite that illustrated in FIG. 1 of ASTM D-6548. The penetrationassembly consists of a semi spherical anodized aluminum penetrationmember having a diameter of 1.588±0.005 cm affixed to an adjustable rodhaving a ball end socket. The test specimen is secured in a specimenclamp consisting of upper and lower concentric rings of aluminum betweenwhich the sample is held firmly by mechanical clamping during testing.The specimen clamping rings has an internal diameter of 8.89±0.03 cm.

The tensile tester is set up such that the crosshead speed is 15.2cm/min, the probe separation is 104 mm, the break sensitivity is 60percent and the slack compensation is 10 gf and the instrument iscalibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Samples are conditioned under TAPPI conditions and cut into 127×127 mm±5mm squares. For each test a total of 3 sheets of product are combined.The sheets are stacked on top of one another in a manner such that themachine direction of the sheets is aligned. Where samples comprisemultiple plies, the plies are not separated for testing. In eachinstance the test sample comprises 3 sheets of product. For example, ifthe product is a 2-ply tissue product, 3 sheets of product, totaling 6plies are tested. If the product is a single ply tissue product, then 3sheets of product totaling 3 plies are tested.

Prior to testing the height of the probe is adjusted as necessary byinserting the burst fixture into the bottom of the tensile tester andlowering the probe until it was positioned approximately 12.7 mm abovethe alignment plate. The length of the probe is then adjusted until itrests in the recessed area of the alignment plate when lowered.

It is recommended to use a load cell in which the majority of the peakload results fall between 10 and 90% of the capacity of the load cell.To determine the most appropriate load cell for testing, samples areinitially tested to determine peak load. If peak load is <450 gf a 10Newton load cell is used, if peak load is >450 gf a 50 Newton load cellis used.

Once the apparatus is set-up and a load cell selected, samples aretested by inserting the sample into the specimen clamp and clamping thetest sample in place. The test sequence is then activated, causing thepenetration assembly to be lowered at the rate and distance specifiedabove. Upon rupture of the test specimen by the penetration assembly themeasured resistance to penetration force is displayed and recorded. Thespecimen clamp is then released to remove the sample and ready theapparatus for the next test.

The peak load (gf) and energy to peak (g-cm) are recorded and theprocess repeated for all remaining specimens. A minimum of fivespecimens are tested per sample and the peak load average of five testsis reported as the Dry Burst Strength.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Conventional Wet Pressed Tissue Comprising Bamboo

Sample codes were made using a wet pressed process utilizing a CrescentFormer. Accordingly, single ply bath and two ply facial tissue productswere produced and tested according to the same tests described in theTest Methods section. The following tissue manufacturing process wasused to produce the sample codes.

Initially, northern softwood kraft (“NSWK”) pulp was dispersed in apulper for 30 minutes at 3 percent consistency at about 100° F. Incertain instances, as indicated in the tables below, NSWK pulp wasrefined at 1.5 to 5.0 hp-days/metric ton. The NSWK pulp was thentransferred to a dump chest and subsequently diluted to approximately0.75 percent consistency. Once diluted, in certain instances Kymene®920A and/or Hercobond® 1366 (both available from Ashland, Covington,Ky.) was added to the NSWK. When utilized in a multi-layered tissue web,NSWK fibers were added to the middle layer of the 3-layered tissue web.

Aracruz ECF, a eucalyptus hardwood kraft (“EHWK”) pulp (Aracruz, Rio deJaneiro, RJ, Brazil) was dispersed in a pulper for 30 minutes at about 3percent consistency at about 100° F. The EHWK pulp was then transferredto a dump chest and subsequently diluted to about 0.75 percentconsistency. The EHWK pulp fibers were used in the two outer layers ofthe 3-layered tissue structure.

Commercial bleached bamboo pulps were obtained from Guizhou ChitianhuaPaper Co., Ltd., Guizhou, China (herein after “Chinese Bamboo”) andPhoenix Pulp and Paper PCL, Khon-Kaen, Thailand (hereinafter “ThaiBamboo”). The Chinese Bamboo was a mixture of 3 species of tropicalbamboo Neosinocalamus affinis, Bambusa rigida, and Bambusapervariabilis×Dendrocalamopsis Daii. The Chinese Bamboo was pulped by aTCF sulfate process. The Thai Bamboo was an ECF Bleached Kraft pulpconsisting of a mixture of four tropical bamboo species: BambusaBluemeana, Bambusa Tulda, Bambusa Nana and Dendrocalmus Asper.

Moso Bamboo pulp fibers were prepared from chipped green Moso bamboopoles by a Kraft pulp process using Na₂S and NaOH for digestion followedby oxygen delignification and bleaching with chlorine dioxide. Afterbleaching the pulp was dried to 30 to 50 percent consistency on a beltpress to form a never dried crumb pulp. Never dried pulp was convertedto dry lap pulp having a basis weight of around 250 g/m² by slurrying350 oven dried basis pounds of bamboo crumb pulp in 1400 gallons ofwater in a hydrapulper at about 125° F. The slurry was pulped for about20 minutes to give 3 percent consistency bamboo pulp slurry. The slurrywas passed to a headbox and deposited on a Fourdinier forming beltmoving at about 90 feet per minute and dewatered. Minimal pressing wasdone in the water removal process using only the roll weights in the wetpress section of the machine. The dewatered pulp sheet was then passedover three stacks of calendar dryers, dried and rolled on 4-inch cores.Steam pressures in the calendar stacks were controlled to provide a drylap pulp having between 6 and 8 percent moisture.

Bamboo or NSWK pulp fibers were dispersed in a pulper for 25 minutes at3 percent consistency at about 100° F. In certain instances, asindicated in the tables below, the bamboo pulp was refined at 1.5 to 5.0hp-days/metric ton. The bamboo or NSWK pulp was then transferred to adump chest and subsequently diluted to approximately 0.75 percentconsistency. Once diluted, in certain instances Kymene® 920A and/orHercobond® 1366 were added to the NSWK. When utilized in a multi-layeredtissue web, bamboo and NSWK fibers were added to the middle layer of the3-layered tissue web.

Similarly Bleached Eucalyptus Hardwood Kraft pulp fibers obtained fromFibria, S.A., were dispersed in a pulper for 25 minutes at 3 percentconsistency at 100° F. The Eucalyptus pulp slurry was then transferredto a dump chest and subsequently diluted to approximately 0.75 percentconsistency. Once diluted, in certain instances Kymene® 920A, Hercobond®1366, were added to the NSWK. When utilized in a multi-layered tissueweb, bamboo and NSWK fibers were added to the middle layer of the3-layered tissue web.

In certain instances the pulp fibers from the machine chests were pumpedto the headbox at a consistency of about 0.1 percent. Pulp fibers fromeach machine chest were sent through separate manifolds in the headboxto create a 3-layered tissue structure. The flow rates of the stock pulpfiber slurries into the flow spreader were adjusted to give a target webbasis. In those instances where a layer structure was produced, flow ofstock pulp fiber slurries was controlled to provide a layer split ofabout 30 to about 35 percent by total weight of the tissue web EHWKfibers on both outer layers and 30 to about 40 percent NSWK or bamboopulp fibers in the center layer. The fibers were deposited onto a feltin using a Crescent Former.

In other instances a blended web was produced by weighing out theappropriate amount of the first pulp fiber into the pulper anddispersing for 30 minutes at 3 percent consistency at about 100° F. Insome instances the pulp was refined at 1.5 to 5.0 hp-days/metric ton.The first pulp slurry was then transferred equally to three dump chests.The amount of the second pulp fiber was then weighed into the pulper anddispersed and refined in similar fashion if so required. The second pulpslurry was then transferred equally to the three dump chests. The threedump chests now contained a blended mix of the fibers. The dump chestswere subsequently diluted to approximately 0.75 percent consistency.Once diluted, in certain instances Kymene® 920A and/or Hercobond® 1366were added to the blended furnishes in the dump chests. The blendedslurries were then diluted to approximately 0.1 percent consistencybefore being pumped to a 3-layer headbox such that all 3-layer splitswere evenly distributed. Alternatively, when no refining was required,the pulps could be blended together in the pulper per the procedureproscribed and then the blended slurry transferred from the pulper tothe machine chests.

The wet sheet, about 10 to 20 percent consistency, was adhered to aYankee dryer, traveling at about 80 to 120 fpm through a nip via apressure roll.

The consistency of the wet sheet after the pressure roll nip(post-pressure roll consistency or PPRC) was approximately 40 percent. Aspray boom situated underneath the Yankee dryer sprayed a crepingcomposition at a pressure of 60 psi at a rate of approximately 0.25 gsolids/m² of product. The creping composition comprised 0.16 percent byweight of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), (Celvol™ 523 available from CelaneseChemicals, Calvert City, Ky.), 0.013 percent by weight PAE resin(Kymene™ 6500 available from Ashland, Covington, Ky.) and 0.0013 percentby weight of Resozol™ 2008 (Ashland, Covington, Ky.).

The sheet was dried to about 98 to 99 percent consistency as it traveledon the Yankee dryer and to the creping blade. The creping bladesubsequently scraped the tissue sheet and a portion of the crepingcomposition off the Yankee dryer. The creped tissue basesheet was thenwound onto a core traveling at about 50 to about 100 fpm into soft rollsfor converting.

To produce the 2-ply facial tissue products (Sample Nos. 1-4), two softrolls of the creped tissue were then rewound, calendared, and pliedtogether so that both creped sides were on the outside of the 2-plystructure. Mechanical crimping on the edges of the structure held theplies together. The plied sheet was then slit on the edges to a standardwidth of approximately 8.5 inches and folded, and cut to facial tissuelength. Tissue samples were conditioned and tested.

Samples produced according to the present example are summarized inTable 3, below.

TABLE 3 Single Ply Basis Web NSWK EHWK Bamboo Sample Weight (gsm)Structure Plies (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) 1 15.1 Layered 2 30 70 0 2 15.1Layered 2 40 60 0 3 15.1 Layered 2 0 70 30 4 15.1 Layered 2 0 60 40 516.7 Blended 1 40 60 0 6 16.7 Blended 1 40 60 0 7 16.7 Blended 1 0 100 08 16.7 Blended 1 0 100 0 9 16.7 Blended 1 0 60 40 10 16.7 Blended 1 0 6040

Example 2 Uncreped Through-Air Dried Tissue Comprising Bamboo

A single ply through-air dried tissue web was made generally inaccordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,551, which is herein incorporated byreference in a manner consistent with the present disclosure.

More specifically, from about 60 to about 100 pounds (oven dry basis) ofAracruz ECF, a eucalyptus hardwood kraft (“EHWK”) pulp (Aracruz, Rio deJaneiro, RJ, Brazil) was dispersed in a pulper at 100° F. for 25 minutesat a consistency of 3 percent before being transferred in equal parts totwo machine chests and diluted to a consistency of 1 percent. When used,Hercobond 1366 was weighed out and diluted to a 1 percent activessolution with water prior to being added to the machine chest. The fiberslurry and chemical was allowed to mix for five minutes prior to thestock solution being sent to the headbox.

Forty pounds (oven dry basis) of northern softwood kraft fiber (“NSWK”)(or bamboo pulp when used) were dispersed in a pulper at 100° F. for 25minutes at a consistency of 3 percent before being transferred to asecond machine chest and diluted to 1 percent consistency. The softwoodfibers may be refined after pulping and prior to transfer to the machinechest as noted in examples.

To produce a layered tissue web, prior to forming each stock was furtherdiluted to approximately 0.1 percent consistency and transferred to a3-layer headbox in such a manner as to provide a layered sheet. Thefiber composition of the layered sheets are described in the tablebelow. Generally, the outer layers comprised EHWK and the inner layercomprised NSWK, bamboo fibers or a mixture of both.

Blended tissue webs were produced as described above.

The formed web was non-compressively dewatered and rush transferred to atransfer fabric traveling at a speed about 25 percent slower than theforming fabric. The web was then transferred to a throughdrying fabricand dried. Samples 11-15 were converted into rolled products to producesingle ply bath tissue products. Samples were produced as described inTable 4, below.

TABLE 4 Basesheet Basis Web or Sam- Weight Struc- Finished NSWK EHWKBamboo ple (gsm) ture Product Plies (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) 11 27.1 LayeredFinished 1 35 65 0 12 27.1 Layered Finished 1 25 65 10 13 27.1 LayeredFinished 1 10 65 25 14 27.1 Layered Finished 1 0 65 35 15 27.1 NAFinished 1 0 0 100 16 27.1 NA Finished 1 0 100 0 17 36.5 NA Basesheet 10 100 0 18 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 0 60 40 19 36.5 Layered Basesheet 140 60 0 20 36.5 NA Basesheet 1 0 100 0 21 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 0 5050 22 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 0 60 40 23 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 40 600 24 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 40 60 0 25 36.5 Layered Basesheet 1 0 6040

Example 3 Uncreped Through-Air Dried Towels Comprising Bamboo

A single ply uncreped through-air dried (UCTAD) tissue web was madegenerally in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,551.

More specifically, from about 50 to about 90 pounds (oven dry basis) ofAracruz ECF, a EHWK pulp (Aracruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil) wasdispersed in a pulper for 25 minutes with from about 10 to about 50pounds of bleached chemi-thermo mechanical pulp (“BCTMP”) at aconsistency of 3 percent before being transferred in equal parts tothree machine chests and diluted to a consistency of 1 percent.

Forty pounds (oven dry basis) of NSWK pulp (or bamboo pulp when used)was dispersed in a pulper for 25 minutes at a consistency of 3 percentand refined at between 1 and 5 horsepower tons/day before beingtransferred in equal parts to the three machine chests containing theEHWK and BCTMP fibers. The machine chests were then diluted to aconsistency of 1 percent. Kymene 920A was added to each machine chest atthe rate of 1 percent dry actives to oven dried basis of total pulp. Thestock solutions were then passed in equal amounts to a 3-layer headboxafter dilution to 0.75 percent consistency to form a blended sheet.

The formed web was non-compressively dewatered and rush transferred to atransfer fabric traveling at a speed about 25 percent slower than theforming fabric. The web was then transferred to a throughdrying fabric,dried and calendared. Samples were produced as described in Table 5,below.

TABLE 5 Single Ply Basis Web Weight Struc- Bamboo NSWK EHWK BCTMP Sample(gsm) ture Plies (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) (wt %) 26 39.0 Blended 1 0 50 2525 27 39.0 Blended 1 70 0 5 25

Web Strength and Bulk

The effect of bamboo on various tissue strength and durabilityproperties was explored by preparing samples using several levels ofbamboo. Table 6 summarizes the physical properties of basesheetsprepared as described above. Table 7 summarizes the physical propertiesof finished produce prepared as described above.

TABLE 6 Single Ply Bamboo Basis Total Weight Web Bulk GMT TEA CD TEASample (gsm) Plies (wt %) (cm³/g) (g/3″) Index (g · cm/cm²) 1 15.1 2 09.5 924 10.3 3.6 2 15.1 2 0 11.3 1235 10.2 4.9 3 15.1 2 30 9.0 1158 9.33.9 4 15.1 2 40 8.9 1116 10.1 4.8 5 16.7 1 0 9.7 1061 15.0 6.6 6 16.7 10 10.4 656 15.8 4.3 7 16.7 1 0 9.3 728 12.7 3.8 8 16.7 1 0 9.3 1024 12.45.2 9 16.7 1 40 9.1 1158 11.2 5.5 10 16.7 1 40 9.2 758 12.6 4.3 11 27.11 0 9.4 625 8.5 3.3 12 27.1 1 10 9.8 769 8.9 4.2 13 27.1 1 25 10.9 5578.5 3.2 14 27.1 1 35 10.1 662 9.3 4.2 15 27.1 1 100 10.3 954 10.1 6.5 1627.1 1 0 9.8 857 8.1 5.0 17 36.5 1 0 21.2 1160 11.2 8.8 18 36.5 1 4021.9 1089 13.3 10.1 19 36.5 1 0 20.4 1051 12.0 8.9 20 36.5 1 0 22.1 105612.0 8.7 21 36.5 1 50 21.5 968 13.3 10.5 22 36.5 1 40 21.0 1167 13.613.7 23 36.5 1 0 19.8 1160 13.4 9.6 24 36.5 1 0 20.5 1248 14.7 11.3 2536.5 1 40 22.0 1136 13.0 10.2 26 39.0 1 0 20.8 2738 10.9 17.7 27 39.0 170 22.6 1616 10.1 12.5

The relative change in bulk (Delta Bulk %), compared to a control to anidentical control containing NBSK in place of bamboo, is summarized inthe table below.

TABLE 7 Bamboo Basis Web Total Bulk Delta Sam- Weight Struc- Method ofWeb (cm³/ Bulk ple (gsm) ture Plies Manufacture (wt %) g) (%) 3 15.1Layered 2 CWP 30 9.0 −4.5% 4 15.1 Layered 2 CWP 40 8.9 −21.4% 9 16.7Blended 1 CWP 40 9.1 −6.2% 10 16.7 Blended 1 CWP 40 9.2 −11.7% 12 27.1Layered 1 UCTAD 10 9.8 3.5% 13 27.1 Layered 1 UCTAD 25 10.9 15.1% 1427.1 Layered 1 UCTAD 35 10.1 7.1% 15 27.1 Blended 1 UCTAD 100 10.3 9.4%18 36.5 Layered 1 UCTAD 40 21.9 7.6% 21 36.5 Layered 1 UCTAD 50 21.58.6% 22 36.5 Layered 1 UCTAD 40 21.0 5.9% 25 36.5 Layered 1 UCTAD 4022.0 7.3% 27 39.0 Blended 1 UCTAD 70 22.6 8.7%

Web Softness and Durability

The effect of bamboo on the durability (Durability Index) and softness(Stiffness Index) of the tissue web was explored by preparing samplesusing several levels of bamboo, the results of which are summarizedbelow.

TABLE 8 Bamboo Basis Total Stiff- Weight Web Web Tear ness DurabilitySample (gsm) Structure Plies (wt %) Index Index Index 1 15.1 Layered 2 010.3 9.4 24.3 2 15.1 Layered 2 0 10.2 10.0 23.2 3 15.1 Layered 2 30 9.312.7 19.8 4 15.1 Layered 2 40 10.1 13.0 21.2 5 16.7 Blended 1 0 15.0 9.130.2 6 16.7 Blended 1 0 15.8 8.4 33.1 7 16.7 Blended 1 0 12.7 8.6 23.5 816.7 Blended 1 0 12.4 9.3 20.5 9 16.7 Blended 1 40 11.2 10.2 20.6 1016.7 Blended 1 40 12.6 13.3 27.3 11 27.1 Layered 1 0 8.49 10.9 25.6 1227.1 Layered 1 10 8.92 10.1 25.8 13 27.1 Layered 1 25 8.46 11.4 23.9 1427.1 Layered 1 35 9.34 11.3 23.9 15 27.1 Blended 1 100 10.08 11.6 28 1627.1 Blended 1 0 8.1 11.6 20.5 17 36.5 NA 1 0 11.2 6.0 27.1 18 36.5Layered 1 40 13.3 5.3 33.5 19 36.5 Layered 1 0 12.0 4.9 31.9 20 36.5 NA1 0 12.0 6.6 29.2 21 36.5 Layered 1 50 13.3 5.3 34.9 22 36.5 Layered 140 13.6 5.8 33.6 23 36.5 Layered 1 0 13.4 4.8 34.2 24 36.5 Layered 1 014.7 4.9 37.4 25 36.5 Layered 1 40 13.0 5.5 33.9 26 39.0 Blended 1 010.9 4.7 31.8 27 39.0 Blended 1 70 10.1 7.5 31.6

The relative change in the Durability Index and Stiffness Index,compared to an identical control containing NBSK in place of bamboo, issummarized in the table below.

While tissue webs and products comprising the same have been describedin detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, it will beappreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present invention should be assessed as that of theappended claims and any equivalents thereto.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. A layered through-air driedtissue web, the web comprising a first fibrous layer and a secondfibrous layer, the first fibrous layer comprising wood fibers and thesecond layer comprising bamboo fibers, wherein the first fibrous layeris substantially free of bamboo fibers and wherein the bamboo fiberscomprise at least about 10 percent of the total weight of thethrough-air dried web.
 10. The layered through-air dried tissue web ofclaim 9 wherein the first fibrous layer consists essentially of hardwoodfibers and the second fibrous layer comprises bamboo and softwoodfibers, wherein the amount of softwood fiber in the second fibrous layeris less than about 10 percent by weight of the layer.
 11. The layeredthrough-air dried tissue web of claim 9 wherein the first fibrous layercomprises at least about 75 percent hardwood fibers by weight of thefirst fibrous layer and the second layer comprises at least about 50percent bamboo fibers by weight of the second fibrous layer.
 12. Thelayered through-air dried tissue web of claim 9 wherein the through-airdried web comprises less than about 10 percent softwood fibers by weightof the through-air dried web.
 13. The layered through-air dried tissueweb of claim 9 having a Durability Index greater than about
 20. 14. Thelayered through-air dried tissue web of claim 9 having a Stiffness Indexless than about
 7. 15. The layered through-air dried tissue web of claim9 having a Bulk greater than about 10 cubic centimeters per gram.
 16. Atissue product comprising a first through-air dried tissue web, the webcomprising a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer, the firstfibrous layer comprising wood fibers and the second layer comprisingbamboo fibers, wherein the first fibrous layer is substantially free ofbamboo fibers and wherein the bamboo fibers comprise at least about 10percent of the total weight of the through-air dried web, the tissueproduct having a basis weight from about 10 to about 60 grams per squaremeter.
 17. The tissue product of claim 16 further comprising a secondtissue web plied to the first through-air dried tissue web.
 18. Thetissue product of claim 16 having a Durability Index greater than about20.
 19. The tissue product of claim 16 having a Stiffness Index lessthan about
 13. 20. The tissue product of claim 16 having a Bulk greaterthan about 10 cubic centimeters per gram.
 21. The tissue product ofclaim 16 wherein the web further comprises a third fibrous layercomprising wood fibers and substantially free of bamboo fibers.
 22. Thetissue product of claim 16 wherein the bamboo fibers comprise from about20 to about 50 percent of the total weight of the through-air dried weband the web comprises less than about 10 percent softwood fibers byweight of the through-air dried web.
 23. The tissue product of claim 16having a basis weight from about 20 to about 45 grams per square meterand a Bulk from about 10 to about 22 cubic centimeters per gram.
 24. Thetissue product of claim 16 having a Stiffness Index from about 5 toabout
 10. 25. The tissue product of claim 16 wherein the web furthercomprises a third fibrous layer comprising wood fibers and substantiallyfree of bamboo fibers, the web having a basis weight from about 20 toabout 45 grams per square meter, a Bulk from about 10 to about 22 cubiccentimeters per gram and Stiffness Index from about 5 to about
 10. 26.The tissue product of claim 16 wherein the bamboo fibers have an averagefiber length from about 1 to about 2 mm.
 27. The tissue product of claim26 wherein the bamboo fiber is derived from a bamboo species selectedfrom the group consisting of Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens,Phyllostachys nigra variant Henon, Phyllostachys vivax and Phyllostachysbambusoides.
 28. The tissue product of claim 16 wherein the through-airdried web is uncreped.